Once again a great success for the 44th edition of the Morin-Heights Viking Loppet!

Despite the lack of snow this winter and the recent rain fall, which posed a challenge for the trail maintenance team, on February 7th, nevertheless 345 participants have taken part in the cross-country ski race organized jointly by the Viking Ski Club and the Municipality of Morin-Heights. The usual course for the 33 km race had to be modified, and even if the snow conditions were fast, they were excellent!

For this 44th edition, the fastest skiers under 15 to complete the 10 km race and whose name will appear on the Desjardins trophy are Thomas Allard-Vertiest (11), from Prévost with a time of 29m15s, and for the girls, Corrine Melançon (12) from Montreal with a time of 30m22s. The first person to cross the finish line for the 33 km race, two-time Olympian, is Daria (Dasha) Gaiazova (32) from Calgary (2h03m17s). Her name will be engraved on the Berg and Dohrendorf trophy. Paul Junique (67) from Prévost will have his name added to the Munk trophy awarded to the male with the best time in this race (2h05m46s). As for the 20 km race, the fastest male to complete the course is Tycho Roorda (23) from Pointe-Claire (1h24m23s), and will see his name inscribed on the Jack Steele trophy. For a second year, Anne Labbé (51) from Lachine will see her name immortalized on the George Basler trophy, with a time of 1h32m44s.

A new category was added in the 20 km race this year to acknowledge the 11 years old and less who are fit enough to take part. The youngest in that race this year was Evania Lovshin (8) from Chelsea.

The oldest skiers participating in the Loppet this year were Jean Constantineau (89) from Sainte-Adèle, Ricardo Izquierdo (87) from Val-David and Audrey Gibeault (78) from Morin-Heights. The youngest participant, aged only 5 years old, was Anaïs Renaud from Lachine.

The organizing committee wishes to thank all the sponsors who make a big difference in the scale and impact of this great sporting event. Many, many thanks also to the team of volunteers who get things done and without whom there would be no Loppet! Thanks to the dynamic participants who are back year after year! Thank you all!